Jones was Australia’s coach when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England and four years later was a member of South Africa’s back-room staff when they became world champions.
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“Eddie Jones has got to sort out his backroom staff. That is absolutely vital and there can be no compromise – they have to be who he wants”, said Barnes on Sky Sports News headquarters.
“Chris has got a nice cafe in Winchester”.
“I want players who want to play for England and to play for England you have to play in the Premiership, and the Premiership is a strong competition”. I might grab him for a coffee down there’.
As a result, Twickenham bosses appointed Stuart Lancaster in temporary charge of the England team for the 2012 Six Nations, while they searched for the ideal candidate to replace Martin Johnson.
Though unwilling to directly challenge the rule which prohibits players from outside English rugby to play for the national team, Jones does appear willing to at least consider activating the “exceptional circumstances” clause in the Rugby Football Union regulations which could yet see Armitage – a triple European Cup victor – recalled.
“I have learned to be soft as I got older”.
The muddle-headedness against Wales and implosion in the Australia game suggests a number of these England players might find it hard to adapt to a coach described by a few Japan players as “the devil” for the work-rate he demands. That is one of my dreams. We want those people who turn up at their local club on a Sunday morning to coach the kids to think that the England team is something with which they can associate and be proud of.
However, speaking on Friday following his appointment as Stuart Lancaster’s successor, he said: “You always have a bit of a view when you’re outside the tent”. At school assembly you would have to get up, stand up and sing the national anthem so I know it very well.
The coach, a former hooker, oversaw a few of Australia’s more humiliating days in the scrum during his time in charge of the Wallabies, however, and an experienced assistant to resurrect one of England’s traditional strengths looks a must.
Jones was presented as the new coach at Twickenham hours after the initial announcement and said he hasn’t decided who will be his assistants.
“Those stories about Richie McCaw are true”.
Jones told reporters last week he was committed to the Stormers despite media speculation linking him with the England job, but admitted he found the lure of London too great after only three weeks in his new role. South Africa that day were first complacent and then rattled, but I doubt if anyone believes Japan would have come even close to beating them if that match had come later in the pool stage.
“I think he is certainly still going to be involved with England”.
During the World Cup, Jones wrote that current England captain Chris Robshaw was not a genuine openside flanker. I don’t want to take that away; I want to add to it.
“I did show a few interest and was offered the job earlier in the year”.
“So while I am excited about the opportunity to coach England I’m very disappointed to be leaving the Stormers”. “I will be watching cricket in Barbados”.
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That led to speculation that Robshaw may not have much of a test future, let alone as captain, under Jones. The upcoming Six Nations tournament in February should give us an idea as to whether the next for years are going to be brilliant, or a disaster for English rugby.
